Morning Buzz: Packers counting on developing edge rushers

Welcome to your Morning Buzz, rounding up news and views regarding the Green Bay Packers from around the web and here at PackersNews.com. Grab a strong cup of coffee, or brew some English breakfast tea if that’s your thing, and get caught up on everything you need to know about the Packers.

We’ll start with Ryan Wood’s look at how the Packers are counting on the continued development of outside linebacker Reggie Gilbert.

From Ryan:

Reggie Gilbert didn’t watch the NFL draft last month, tempting as it must’ve been. His future hung in the balance, but Gilbert had some studying to do.

He’s trying to learn new Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine's playbook as quickly as possible. He hopes to be up to speed when organized team activities begin next week. So Gilbert’s TV stayed off during the last weekend of April, his apartment quiet as a library.

That’s not the approach of a player who expects another practice-squad spot this fall. No, Reggie Gilbert expects to play. He knew there was a good chance even before the Packers waited to draft an edge rusher until their 11th and final pick, surprising to most who follow the team.

That they barely bolstered their depth chart cleared Gilbert’s path. Perhaps no other player saw his status on the Packers’ roster upgraded more during the draft. Gilbert isn’t just on a collision course to crack the initial 53-man roster for the first time in his three seasons. 

The Packers actually need him to produce.

I chatted with Packers fans via Facebook Live on Wednesday afternoon:

There will be a lot to do in the Titletown District this summer:

Elsewhere, the folks at Good Morning Football apparently aren’t very high on the Packers' chances of dethroning the Vikings heading into 2018:

Vegas seems to agree:

The Packers' history with punters they’ve drafted is...not good:

Andy Herman makes the case for Aaron Jones:

Great story from Ha Ha Clinton-Dix:

Jaire Alexander is dangerous with the ball in his hands:

The Tundra Effect talks Dez:

More Dez-to-Green Bay talk:

Zach Kruse writes on Vince Biegel:

Cal is excited for James Looney:

The NFL may start reviewing potential ejections:

Blake Martinez is staying busy this offseason:

Some Throwback Thursday here from The Green Bay Guy: